Varkala

Varkala is a district in Thiruvananthapuram. It is a tourist resort and spa. Varkala is also a religious site for devout Hindus. It is the only place in southern Kerala where the traveler encounters cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea. The laterite and sedimentary formations of Varkala is a unique feature in the otherwise plain land of Kerala. They are called the Varkala formations by geologists. Beside the cliffs are numerous water sprouts and spas. The Papanasam Beach at Varkala is a quiet escapade famed for its silvery stretch of white sand, hot springs and rocky cliffs.

Varkala is the final resting place of Sree Narayana Guru - the distinguished social reformer of Kerala. His abode is situated atop the Sivagiri Hill. The cliffs mounting from the springs are a sight of sheer majesty. According to Hindu mythology, a group of mendicants approached the sage Narada. They confessed that they were sinners. Narada threw his Valkkalam - the bark of the tree that sages wear - into the air. The place where it landed was consequently known as Varkala. The mendicants were directed by Narada to offer their orisons to the new place near the shore. Henceforth, this place came to be called Papanasam - redemption from sins.

Varkala is also known for the Janardanaswamy temple, an important Vaishnavite memorial and is often referred to as Dakshin Kashi or Benares of the south. Located close to the Papanasam Beach, the Janardanaswamy temple is considered to contain holy waters which wash away sins. It is also an important ayurveda treatment center. The temple has an ancient bell that has been removed from a shipwreck in Varkala. The bell was donated by the captain of the Dutch vessel that sank near Varkala without causing casualties. The Sivagiri Mutt is another major landmark of Varkala, as well as the now dilapidated Varkala Tunnel.